Homily for the Memorial of Saints Cornelius and Cyprian
Vocation Donors’ Vespers
Saint Mary’s Seminary Chapel
September 16, 2025
Rejoicing Amid Trials and Persecution
Rejoice! In the brief albeit poignant Scriptural passage just proclaimed, St. Peter urges us to embrace a spirit of joy. The joy of which he speaks, however, is not a fleeting emotion. Instead, St. Peter challenges us as followers of the Crucified Lord, urging us to be joyful in the midst of insult and persecution. How is this possible?
Witnesses to Mercy
Let us look to the 3rd C saints whose feast we celebrate today for an answer. Saints Cornelius and Cyprian, pope and bishop, were exiled and later martyred, for refusing to abandon the Faith of the Apostles and to sacrifice to idols. But they also experienced insult and persecution from some fellow Christians who vehemently disagreed with their resolve to reconcile members of the Church who betrayed the Faith amid fierce persecution. Cornelius & Cyprian believed that the Church, the Bride of Christ, was empowered to forgive all sin, even apostasy, whereas their opponents put limits on what the Church could forgive. This was more than a controversy within the life of the Church. The Church was facing a schism, a split, led by an anti-pope, Novatian, who rejected readmitting apostates to full communion with the Church. Pope Cornelius and Bishop Cyprian courageously stood their ground, defending the mercy of Christ, not merely as a principle, but ensuring that it was offered to those who needed it the most.
A World in Need
My dear friends, if ever there were a time when our society needs to rediscover the priceless gift of forgiveness, it is now. Of course, we hope that the call for forgiveness would be met with enthusiasm, but often, it is not. In many quarters, the call for forgiveness is unpopular and controversial. Yet, St. Peter reminds us not to allow opposition to make us despondent. No, it is when we encounter resistance and rejection that we must rejoice and trust all the more in God’s greater plan, even as, with our limited vision, we struggle to see the larger picture.
Seminarians as Future Priests of Mercy
For this reason, that I can think of no better day than this to thank you for your support of our seminarians, future priests and ministers of mercy. While Cornelius and Cyprian were a pope and a bishop, they were priests. To be a voice of compassion and an instrument of mercy at the heart of the priestly vocation – to lead countless people back to the warm embrace of our loving Father. Priests are not perfect, nor am I. Yet, the Good Lord entrusts us with the message and ministry of reconciliation. Our preaching should always reflect this fundamental truth. So too, the advice we offer in the confessional. As St. Paul wrote to Timothy, “Christ Jesus came into the world to forgive sinners.” Thus, a priest’s complete and entire ministry must be about forgiveness. I believe the seminarians gathered with us tonight have been called by Christ to this beautiful, life-giving ministry.
Strength in Solidarity
Permit me to offer one last thought on this memorial of our two holy martyrs. To remain resolute in their call for forgiveness and reconciliation, Sts. Cornelius & Cyprian offered each other mutual support & encouragement. We are gathered here tonight because of that same spirit of mutual encouragement. Both in prayer and in treasure, support is not just felt but is greatly appreciated. Please know that your goodness is never taken for granted.
May the intercession of Sts. Cornelius and Cyprian reaffirm in our hearts— priests, seminarians and lay faithful alike— the importance of forgiveness and of solidarity. May these saints help us, one and all, to forgive, not grudgingly but in rejoicing! And may God bless us and keep us always in his love!